Volunteering
Register to Volunteer:
Important:
You must register as a Communicator on our site. Read the information below where you will find the communications sign up link.
We are working with the MS Society to simplify the registration of participation process.
We are also requesting you complete the "Waiver of Liability, Hold Harmless, and Minor Release Form". Please see find the form here.
The SAG (and other participant's) NMSS training Power Point
There are primarily three volunteer positions available:
They are: Shadow, Water Stop, and SAG. We also have Hams on motorcycles, bicycles (participants), and Net Control operators and their liaisons.
Your Success:
Every attempt has been taken to provide you with the information you need to be successful during your time volunteering at the MS Ride. While we do not want to overwhelm or burden you with too much information, we ask that you review each section that is relevant to the position(s) you will be participating in. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to seek out any information or get clarity about any questions they may have. This event offers valuable training to amateurs in a safe and inviting environment, allowing the ability to have fun at the same time.
Each Volunteer Operator must also:
Complete a BLMRS Card and return (if you have not already or have updated information) - We capture your information upon your registration to participate.
Complete the MS Ride Volunteer Agreement Form - (2023 we are using the Waiver/Hold Harmless).
Complete the Waiver/Hold Harmless and/or Minor Release form - The form covers both your agreement to hold harmless the committee and those aiding the committee in providing as much information as possible to both create a safe environment and the knowledge to participate safely.
Once you have reviewed the positions below that may be of interest, please sign up:
After you are done, please check the Sign Up Confirmation page (Allow 24hrs). If you have found an error, or have changed your mind, please use the link that was provided at the completion of the form. If you must, email James or John (Contacts) to make the appropriate changes.
Shadow Operators
Description - A shadow is an Amateur Radio Operator who accompanies and official during an event. A shadow operator may be on-foot or mobile. "What is a Shadow?" - N5TIM.info
Expect to be on site from 1-2 hours before the start of the event, to 1-2 hours after the event winds down.
CRF - Shadow Operators should be generally CRF, CRF-S, CRF-M (if mobile), CRF-DT capable. It is recommended that they also have documentation, flashlight, first-aid, mosquito spray, water and comfort foods. In general, the operating station should have a 2m, 25w or greater radio with a 5/8th's wave antenna and APRS is strongly desired. Some loaner units are often available, but cannot be guaranteed.
Water Stop (Rest Stop) Operators
Description - A rest stop or aid station communicator is an Amateur Radio Operator who provides on-site staff communications during an event. "What is a Rest Stop/Aid Station Communicator?" - N5TIM.info
Expect to be on site from 1/5 - 2 hours before the start of the event and able to transmit during the role call one hour prior to the start. The time you are released is greatly dependent upon your location of your water stop. WS 1-2, can expect to be released before the noon hour. 3-4, the middle of the afternoon, and the others as late as 6pm.
CRF - WS Operators should be generally CRF, CRF-S, CRF-B, capable. It is recommended that they also have documentation, flashlight, first-aid, mosquito spray, sunb, water, and comfort foods. In general, the operating station should have a 2m, 25w or greater radio with a 15-20' mast, antenna and coaxial cable; capable of 12 hours of operation. APRS monitoring is recommended as an operator may have the ability to monitor the progress of the event.
SAG Operators
Description - A SAG Communicator/Operator is a mobile capable Amateur Radio Operator who either accompanies an official, or acts as the SAG driver that performs the role of retrieval of tired/expired or mildly injured riders from the course and provides them transportation to a pre-determined destination. "What is a SAG?" - N5TIM.info
Expect to be on site from 1.5-2 hours prior to the start of the event and may be released from their duties as the number of riders on the course begins to dwindle. The ride generally is complete by 6pm.
CRF - SAG Operators should be generally CRF, CRF-S, CRF-M, CRF-DT capable. It is recommended that they also have documentation, flashlight, gloves, tools, shop towels, mosquito spray, sunblock, water, and comfort foods. In general, the operating station should have a 2m, 25w or greater radio with a 5/8th's wave antenna. The transceiver should have the ability to be self-powered for 12 hours or have the ability to hook into the vehicles 12v, 20amp power system. APRS is strongly desired. Some loaner units are often available, but cannot be guaranteed.
Please review the Communication Resource Function (CRF) page.